Arsenal will not sign anyone else in transfer window, says Wenger
ARSENE WENGER today ruled out the possibility of Arsenal making any signings before the January transfer window closes.
The Gunners have spent just £40,000 this month on Cohen Bramall from Hednesford Town as they have focused instead on renegotiating contracts for existing players. Although the futures of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez remain uncertain, the club have announced fresh agreements for Francis Coquelin, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.
Danny Welbeck marked his first start since April by scoring twice in Saturday’s 5-0 FA Cup win at Southampton, and with Santi Cazorla now the only first-team player suffering a lengthy injury absence, Wenger believes there is no need to make acquisitions before tomorrow’s 11pm deadline.
In particular, the manager dismissed recent speculation linking Arsenal with a move in the transfer market for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
“On our front, we have a big squad,” said the Gunners boss. “We are not in need of buying. On a general front it has been very quiet. That shows there are not many players available who can strengthen English teams. That’s why not a lot has happened.
“I believe that number-wise and quality-wise we have what is required to do well. Now it’s down to us to perform and to produce with the quality of our focus, the quality of our ambition and the desire to produce the performance in every single game.”
Arsenal could yet allow two players to leave, with the club willing to listen to offers for Mathieu Debuchy and with Carl Jenkinson still in talks with Crystal Palace over a permanent move to Selhurst Park. It is understood the Gunners have accepted a bid in the region of £7million for Jenkinson, but negotiations have stalled over his wage demands.
West Brom and Watford are also interested in Jenkinson, but Wenger says there will be no problem if the 24-year-old remains at Emirates Stadium on February 1.
“He is integrated with us,” he told Standard Sport. “We respect any professional decision. Carl Jenkinson is a great player who has a great attitude. There is no problem on that front.”
Arsenal have not yet received any bids for Debuchy, who has returned to full fitness following a hamstring problem. The club have no fresh injury concerns for the match against Watford tomorrow.